House committee hears testimony on bills to allow direct sale of raw milk to consumers

The House Committee on Government Operations heard testimony on bills (House Bills 5217–5219) that would allow dairy farmers to sell raw, unpasteurized milk directly to consumers, but lawmakers and witnesses debated how to balance consumer choice with public‑health safeguards.

Proponents told the committee on the bills’ behalf that properly produced raw milk can be safe and beneficial. "My name is Ashley Armstrong, and I care deeply about the connection between farm fresh healthy food, human health, and the survival of small family farms," said Ashley Armstrong, who identified herself as the owner of Armstrong Farms in Southwest Michigan. Armstrong told the committee, "there are about 30000000 people in The United States who are milk intolerant," and argued raw milk contains enzymes and living compounds that can aid…